Problems · NHTSA complaints
2015 Scion FR-S problems
Owners filed 14 complaints about the 2015 Scion FR-S with NHTSA between Sep 2015 and Jun 2025. The most-cited component is engine (5).
Complaints
14
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine5
- Steering2
- Service brakes2
- Power train2
- Electrical system1
- Seat belts1
- Air bags1
- Suspension1
- Structure1
- Other / unknown2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
3
0
3
2
0
1
1
1
0
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
5 reports
“Defective engine/motor failure spark plug popped out of engine along with coil. The service technician and service manager were shocked at the spark plug broken internally. I paid for spark plug replacement totaling approximately $1,200. Upon inspecting other parts of the motor it was determined the engine bay has coolant inside mixed with oil. The tech mention of engine over heating however the temperature gauge never reached overheating readings. If the engine overheated the temperature gauge failed to alert me while I was driving at any point and expressed this to the service advisor. My vehicle motor failed while I was engaged in driving on the freeway and turn off and on in the middle of flight and travelling at freeway speeds. I originally purchased vehicle at Long Toyota USA in El Monte, CA with zero to 15 miles brand new in 2015 it is less that 10 years and I never experienced a defective motor/engine. Today is October 21, 2022 and my vehicle is still at the Culver City Toyota dealership. When: September 25, 2022, towed vehicle to Culver City Toyota a dealer of Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc Where: Engine/Motor failure occurred in the middle of the 10…”
Steering
2 reports
“Steering wheel began clunking and locking up when turning. Had this issue on a previous FRS, Electronic Power Steering Motor Coupler had failed and needed replacement.”
Service brakes
2 reports1 crash
“THE PASSAGER REAR CALIPER MALFUNCTION CAUSE THE BRAKE PAD FLY AWAY FROM THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE”
Power train
2 reports1 related recall
“REVERSE LOCKOUT ON THE STICK SHIFT DOES NOT FUNCTION. DURING SHIFTING THE DRIVER CAN ACCIDENTLY PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE WHILE MOVING FORWARD OR PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE WHILE TRYING TO PUT IT INTO FIRST GEAR. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME DURING THE SHIFTING PROCESS.”
Electrical system
1 report
Seat belts
1 report
“THE SEAT BELT LATCH STICKS. DOESNT EASILY PRESS TO UNLATCH SEAT BELT. ON DRIVERS SIDE.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.